Toni L. Mulert

Toni L. Mulert, age 81, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Grinnell, IA, Decorah, IA, and Casa Grande, AZ, passed peacefully on May 16, 2024, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, while supported by her loving family.

Toni was born on April 5, 1943, in Dubuque, IA, to Donald C. and Sharlye (Woodward) Moes while her father was stationed in Europe during WWII.  She was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School class of 1961 and went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing.  Toni was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald Mulert, on September 4, 1965, at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 58 wonderful years of marriage and three children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild whom they’ve loved and nurtured for many years.  Toni committed her working life to serving others as a pediatric and geriatric nurse, where she assisted many with their recovery and even more with their transition to the next stage.   Toni’s heart was always focused on the well-being of those around her both at work and home; this reality was continually visible for all to witness. 

Toni was always there to help others, not just in her nursing career, but by volunteering for community, church, and service organizations throughout her life. She was rarely idle in her life and was always working on a project. Toni was an avid crafter and enjoyed spending time creating new treasures for her home and for others. Her talents ranged from painting to quilting, cooking to cardmaking, gardening and writing of all types. She authored crafting books in the 1970’s, but more often created humorous poems to celebrate friends and family. Later in her life, Toni enjoyed family genealogy and spent countless hours researching and writing about her ancestry. This research informed a 2008 trip to Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands to tour the villages where many of Toni and Don’s ancestors originated.

Christmas was a special time for Toni.  She loved the holidays, and always had seasonal decorations out, but Christmas often resulted in an explosion of joy in each and every room in her home. She even had a special second full sized tree decorated for the grandchildren. Although she came from a small family, Toni embraced being part of the much larger Mulert clan. There were always kids of all ages in the house, including Don’s siblings and later friends of her own children that would sometimes stop just to visit with her. Her greatest joy in life was her family, immediate and extended, particularly her grandchildren. Although they often lived far away, she would plan activities to do with them months in advance so she could make the most of her time with them.

She had a special place in her heart for those that could give and take a good-natured ribbing. Toni always had those few friends with whom she traded barbs, inside jokes, and occasional pranks. She had a wicked streak, especially when playing cards, whether it was euchre, gin rummy, or poker. She was competitive, but also a patient coach when she was teaching tactics and strategy to her grandchildren. Toni shared a love of travel with Don throughout their lives, including countless family camping trips. Upon retirement, Toni and Don spent 6 years traveling the U.S. in their RV before they settled in Arizona.

Toni lives on in the memories of her loving husband,

Donald Mulert, Dubuque, IA;

her three children,

Heidi (Steve) Scherf, Pleasant Hill, IA,

Scott (Jeff Ohern) Mulert, Minneapolis, MN,

and Russ (Carrie) Mulert, Lexington, KY;

her six grandchildren,

Jacob (Megan) Mulert, Dan (Jocelyn) Mulert, Jenna (Dominic) Falsetti, Brian (Shelby Shanks) Mulert, Joseph Mulert, and Lucas Scherf;

her great-granddaughter,

Madison (Jacob/Megan), and a beautiful set of twins (Brian/Shelby) on their way this autumn;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Steven Moes.

To honor Toni’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1870 St. Ambrose Street in Dubuque.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the church service.  Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Toni’s family.

In lieu of flowers, a Toni L. Mulert memorial fund has been established which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Toni’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Toni’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com